Odysseus Vs Achilles Essay

In Homer's Iliad, we are introduced to a variety of characters who embody different values and motivations. Two of the most prominent heroes in the epic are Achilles and Odysseus, who represent the ideals of honor and duty, respectively. These two characters, through their actions and words, provide us with an insight into the heroic value system of ancient Greece.

Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks, is driven by a strong sense of honor and glory. He is willing to fight and even die for the sake of his reputation and to gain eternal fame. Throughout the epic, we see Achilles displaying his fierce bravery and martial prowess on the battlefield. He is guided by a heroic code of honor, which dictates that he should always defend his reputation and that of his comrades. This is evident in his deep friendship with Patroclus, whom he avenges with fierce determination, after his death in battle. Additionally, Achilles is also guided by a sense of loyalty to his friends and allies, as seen in his grief and mourning for Patroclus.

He is known for his intelligence, cunning, and leadership skills. He is a master of strategy, diplomacy, and persuasion, and is able to rally his troops in the face of defeat. He values loyalty to his comrades and his people, as well as respect for the gods. Throughout the epic, we see Odysseus displaying his wisdom and courage as he fights alongside his comrades and leads them to victory. He is also shown to be a man of his word, as he keeps his promise to Patroclus and helps to avenge his